This sun-drenched city in eastern Spain is the place to go to enjoy great food, fascinating history and grand baroque architecture. It\u2019s also the kind of city where nobody\u2019s in a rush \u2013 even the cathedral took 300 years to build.<\/p>\n
So instead of packing your itinerary full, we suggest picking one or two highlights per day, leaving time to linger in the pretty caf\u00e9s, squares and gardens. Here\u2019s our guide to Murcia\u2019s top attractions.<\/p>\n
Visit the Cathedral<\/strong><\/p>\n Probably Murcia\u2019s most famous landmark, this grand structure is known as a baroque treasure, but it actually features a mix of architectural styles used during the three centuries it took to build. The main fa\u00e7ade facing onto Plaza del Cardenal Belluga is stunning, with striking columns and sculptures. Inside, explore the lavishly decorated chapels and discover the tomb of King Alfonso X. There\u2019s also the 93-metre (305-foot) high bell tower, the second tallest in Spain.<\/p>\n Real Casino de Murcia<\/strong><\/p>\n Another famous city landmark, this is actually a plush, private gentleman\u2019s club frequented by those who like to see and be seen. Built for and by the city\u2019s wealthy elite, it\u2019s still a private club today. You can, however, join a tour to see the opulent interior, complete with frescoed ballroom and a grand courtyard modelled on the palaces of Andalusia.<\/p>\n Coffee on the Plaza<\/strong><\/p>\n Not far from the cathedral you\u2019ll find the city\u2019s most beautiful square, Plaza de las Flores. It got its name from its many florists\u2019 shops, which are still in business today. It\u2019s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, do a bit of people-watching and check out the Art Nouveau townhouses. One of the most beautiful is the Edificio de Tejidos Abad, with its striking white bay windows.<\/p>\n Floridablanca Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n During Murcia\u2019s scorching summers, city residents head for this cool oasis on the other side of the river. It has colourful flower gardens and plenty of shaded areas, and its most stunning inhabitants are the old ficus trees. This is the city\u2019s oldest public park, open since the mid-19th century, and one of the first of its kind in Spain.<\/p>\n Santa Clara la Real Convent Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n This working convent is as intriguing as it is beautiful. Built in the 1300s on the site of Murcia\u2019s Moorish Alcazar (fortress palace), it features elements of Arab architecture such as horseshoe-shaped arches. Only part of the complex is open to visitors, but it\u2019s very much worth a visit.<\/p>\n Monteagudo Castle<\/strong><\/p>\n One of Murcia\u2019s most impressive sights is found just outside the city. This 9th-century castle perches atop a rugged and dusty crop of limestone, and is dramatically topped by an oversized white statue of Christ that gleams under the Murcian sun. The castle, designed to withstand long sieges, was used for defence by the Moors for 250 years. After the Christian reconquest, King Alfonso X took the castle as his Murcian residence. The statue of Christ was added only in the 1950s.<\/p>\n Murcia Archaeological Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n A lesser-known spot for tourists in Murcia, this museum is a delight for those interested in all things historical. You\u2019ll see artefacts from the city\u2019s Roman and Moorish heritage and further back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Plus there many more treasures to discover from around the Murcia region, which is home to no fewer than 2,000 archeological sites.<\/p>\n Terra Natura Murcia<\/strong><\/p>\n You won\u2019t find any cramped cages here. This zoo has become very popular and well-regarded thanks to its humane approach and focus on conservation, housing endangered species such as the European lynx, brown bear and Iberian wolf among 50 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. All are kept in enclosures that resemble as closely as possible the animals\u2019 natural habitats. The park itself is a green oasis filled with hundreds of trees and shrubs. Terra Natura has several other locations in Spain, too.<\/p>\n Costa C\u00e1lida and Costa Blanca<\/strong><\/p>\n Take the short trip to the Med and soak up the sun on these famously sunny Spanish coastlines. The southern part of the Costa Blanca is dotted with quiet beach towns, and there are stunning Blue Flag beaches waiting for you at Torre de la Horadada. It\u2019s only about a 50-kilometre (31-mile) drive, so you can be topping up your tan within about an hour of leaving town.<\/p>\n